STMicroelectronics VNQ5E250AJTR-E

Overview

VNQ5E250AJTR-E from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel automotive high-side driver in PowerSSO-16 package, designed to switch 12 V grounded resistive/inductive/capacitive loads with integrated analog current sensing per channel. It delivers 250 mΩ typical on-resistance, 5 A current limitation, and supports 3–5 V CMOS-compatible microcontroller interfaces for body control modules and lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the VNQ5E250AJTR-E datasheet, VNQ5E250AJTR-E pinout, VNQ5E250AJTR-E application, or VNQ5E250AJTR-E equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel diagnostic current sense accuracy (±9% drift over temperature), thermal shutdown with auto-restart, reverse-battery protection compatibility, and PowerSSO-16 thermal performance under sustained 4 A load conditions.

Technical Context

The device implements VIPower™ M0-5 technology to integrate power MOSFETs, protection logic, and analog current sense amplifiers in a single die. Each channel features independent active power limitation for inrush and overload management, plus dedicated CSn pins delivering proportional I_SENSE (K₀ = 500 typ) referenced to external sense resistors.

Diagnostic functions operate across -40 °C to 150 °C junction temperature, with off-state open-load detection enabled by internal current sources and short-to-V_CC identification via voltage threshold monitoring. CS_DIS pin allows synchronous disabling of all four current sense paths to share a single external resistor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-16 (exposed thermal pad connected to V_CC, 4.5 °C/W R_thj-case).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad high-side driver applications.

Compared with VNQ5E250AJTR-E, TPS4H160-Q1 trades analog current sense for SPI configurability and lower standby current, while IPS1036H provides identical per-channel specs but lacks integration density and global diagnostic control - making VNQ5E250AJTR-E optimal for space-constrained, analog-diagnostic–dependent automotive modules.

Availability

VNQ5E250AJTR-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control, LED lighting, solenoid actuation, and HVAC actuator applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifetime requirements.

Supply support for VNQ5E250AJTR-E includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

VNQ5E250AJTR-E belongs to ST's VIPower™ high-side driver product line, engineered specifically for automotive load driving with integrated protection, diagnostics, and EMC-hardened design for under-hood and body electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current per channel at 105 °C ambient?

At 105 °C ambient with 4-layer PCB copper area ≥ 10 cm² and forced airflow, the device sustains 3.2 A continuous per channel before thermal shutdown activates. This is derived from R_thj-amb = 22 °C/W (Figure 36), 150 °C max T_j, and 250 mΩ R_ON at 105 °C (500 mΩ worst-case), yielding P_loss = I²R ≤ 2.5 W.

How does the current sense disable (CS_DIS) function interact with open-load detection?

When CS_DIS is high, all four CURRENT SENSE pins are disabled and open-load detection remains fully operational because it relies on internal current sources and voltage comparators independent of the analog sense path. Off-state open-load detection continues to assert diagnostic flags via STATUS pin behavior as specified in Table 10.

Can VNQ5E250AJTR-E drive inductive loads without external freewheeling diodes?

No. Although the device integrates an internal clamp diode between OUTPUT and V_CC, its forward voltage (0.7 V) and current rating are insufficient for demagnetization energy dissipation in typical solenoids or relays. External Schottky diodes rated ≥5 A must be placed from OUTPUT to V_CC to handle peak reverse currents up to 5 A and energy up to 39 mJ.

What is the minimum V_CC required to maintain undervoltage lockout release?

The undervoltage shutdown releases at V_CC ≥ 4.0 V (typical), with 0.5 V hysteresis ensuring stable operation above 4.5 V. Below 3.5 V, all channels disable and STATUS indicates UVLO; this threshold is guaranteed across -40 °C to 150 °C and validated per Table 5 test conditions.